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Fictitious Business Name Statements
Fictitious Business Name Statement Filing
What is a Fictitious Business Name (FBN)?
For an individual, it is a name that does not include the surname of the individual or a name that suggests the existence of additional owners.
For partnerships, it is a name that does not include the surname of any general partner or suggests the existence of additional owners.
For a corporation, it is a name not stated in the Articles of Incorporation.
Prior to filing, it is recommended that you search (search information) the names listed in our records to verify that the name you have chosen has not already been taken. It is your responsibility to make sure that the name is still available since the County will accept any name you present.
Fictitious Business Name Statement Information
Phone number is an optional item. Your statement is a public record; therefore, you may be solicited.
Must be filed with the County Clerk-Recorder in the county in which the registrant has his principal place of business.
Must be filed no later than forty (40) days from the time you commence business.
Must be published by the registrant. Publication must occur in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the principal place of business is located within thirty (30) days after filing.
Should have an affidavit of publication filed with the County Clerk-Recorder within thirty (30) days after the last publication date.
Expires five (5) years from the date it is filed. A new statement must be filed prior to the expiration date. There is no need to republish the statement if there has been no change in the information contained in the previously filed statement.
Fictitious Business Name Mail and Payment Information
The statement may be filed by mail or in person using our online application.
Payment can be made by cash, personal check, cashier's check, money order, Discover, American Express, MasterCard Credit and Debit, Visa Debit (with no Interlink logo on the card). We do not accept Visa Credit. An additional $2.50 terminal usage charge will be applied per Debit/Credit card transaction.
To file a statement by mail:
Make the fee check payable to: Orange County Clerk-Recorder. Mail the original completed form, one copy of the form, a self-addressed stamped envelope (to return your recorded form) and the fee check to the following address:
Orange County Clerk-Recorder
Attn: Fictitious Business Name Statements
12 Civic Center Plaza, Room 106
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Fictitious Business Name Search Information
There is no charge to do the search yourself in the Clerk-Recorder's office. A search of our records will indicate whether the name you wish to use is currently being used in Orange County. The new automated system is easy to use and is available during normal business hours. Most searches can be completed in about 15 minutes.
The search can also be conducted online (Fictitious Business Name (FBN) Statement Search) free of charge.
If you are conducting a search to locate a particular business, you may order a copy of the filing for an additional fee of $0.15 per copy or $1.15 per certified copy. If your search is for name availability only, it is not necessary to order a copy. When writing to request a search, please list the name or names you wish to have searched. There is a fee of $7.00 for each name if you want the search completed for you. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope, along with the appropriate fees, and mail to:
Orange County Clerk-Recorder
Attn: Fictitious Business Name Statements
12 Civic Center Plaza, Room 106
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Please make checks payable to: Orange County Clerk-Recorder.
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